Remembering Jean Stapleton: The Beloved Edith Bunker
Jean Stapleton remains one of the most enduring figures in American pop culture, immortalized through her portrayal of Edith Bunker on All in the Family. Though she passed away in 2013, her legacy continues to live on.
A Long and Fulfilling Life
Stapleton died of natural causes at the age of 90, according to The Los Angeles Times. Her passing in her New York City home marked the end of an era, but her influence endures. Carroll O’Connor, her on-screen husband who played Archie Bunker, died earlier at the age of 76 in 2001 from complications of diabetes.
Series creator Norman Lear expressed his profound admiration for Stapleton after her death, stating, “No one gave more profound ‘How to be a Human Being’ lessons than Jean Stapleton. Goodbye Edith, darling.”
A Late-Blooming Star
It’s hard to imagine now, but Stapleton didn’t achieve stardom until later in life. Born Jeanne Murray in 1923, she started her acting career off-Broadway. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she didn’t have her big breakthrough until the age of 50 when she landed the role of Edith Bunker. All in the Family, which aired from 1971 to 1979, brought her immense fame and earned her three Emmy awards out of eight nominations.
A Different Kind of Edith
Stapleton’s portrayal of Edith was uniquely her own. She decided to craft Edith’s character with a nasal voice, adding a touch of humor and warmth that made the role unforgettable. In contrast to the “sharp-tongued” version of the character on British television, Stapleton’s Edith was endearing and lovable, often referred to by Archie as a “dingbat” in a tone filled with affection.
A Legacy of Love and Craft
Stapleton’s children, John Putch, a director, and Pamela Putch, paid tribute to their mother in a heartfelt statement: “It is with great love and heavy hearts that we say farewell to our collective Mother, with a capital M. Her devotion to her craft and her family taught us all great life lessons.”
Stapleton was married to William Putch for 26 years until his death from a heart attack in 1983. Despite her strong association with the character of Edith, Stapleton had no trouble moving on from the role. “When you finish a role, you’re done with it. There’s no deep, spooky connection with the parts you play,” she once said.
A Lasting Impact
Stapleton’s death was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Bette Midler tweeted, “Jean Stapleton, beloved as Edith in All in the Family, dies at 90. She was unforgettable in that role…rest in peace.”
On December 18, 2019, ABC honored her legacy by bringing back All in the Family and another iconic television sitcom, Good Times, live before a studio audience. Woody Harrelson and Marisa Tomei stepped into the roles of Archie and Edith Bunker, paying homage to the characters that Stapleton and O’Connor brought to life.
Jean Stapleton’s portrayal of Edith Bunker will always be remembered for its warmth, humor, and humanity. Her contribution to television history remains significant, and her lessons on how to be a human being continue to resonate with audiences today.